European Fire Ant vs Emerald Cuckoo Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Fire Ant Emerald Cuckoo Wasp
Scientific Name Myrmica rubra Stilbum cyanurum
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Formicidae Chrysididae
Size 4-5 mm 10-18 mm
Habitat Meadows Underground
Diet Seed Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Northeastern North America Africa, Southern Asia, Australia, Southern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Fire Ant

A small reddish ant capable of delivering a noticeable sting, common across European meadows. It has recently invaded parts of northeastern North America where it forms dense populations.

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Did You Know?

It is the primary host ant for the endangered large blue butterfly, whose larvae mimic ant grubs to infiltrate colonies.

Emerald Cuckoo Wasp

One of the largest and most spectacular cuckoo wasps with a vivid metallic green and blue body. It parasitizes mud dauber wasp nests across the Old World tropics.

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Did You Know?

It is the largest cuckoo wasp in the world and its metallic colors can shift from green to blue depending on the viewing angle.